Spacecraft Test Technician IV

Firefly Aerospace; Briggs (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision plans

Parental leave

Educational reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, Briggs, TX, is seeking a Spacecraft Test Technician to join the test operations team. You will perform hands-on hardware preparation, test setup, and maintenance for hypergolic propulsion systems supporting the Spectre engine and the Blue Ghost lunar lander program.

You will work with engineers on hotfire tests, log equipment data, and participate in safety reviews, while growing your expertise in propulsion testing in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• 7 years of experience in aerospace, aircraft, R&D, or related fields.
• Working knowledge of fluid systems, including pressurized testing and leak check procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and teamwork.
• Lift and carry 50 lbs. for limited durations.
• Willingness to work flexible hours for spacecraft engine testing.
• Familiarity with pressurized system safety.
• Strong attention to detail and quality workmanship.
• Excellent communication skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems.
• Set up, checkout, and operate ground support equipment including propellant transfer, pressurization, and safety systems.
• Assist engineers during propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing operations.
• Follow, review, and provide feedback on work instructions for complex mechanical systems and installations.
• Clean and passivate hardware using solvent/chemical, mechanical, ultrasonic, and precision cleaning methods.
• Deburr, edge break, and polish machined aerospace fittings and components.
• Perform shop-level maintenance and calibration of equipment such as pumps, tanks, filtration systems, scales.
• Follow all safety protocols and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations.
• Maintain accurate equipment logs and maintenance records.
• Support safety reviews and readiness activities; participate in continuous improvement of test procedures and facility capabilities.

Skills

Aerospace

Aerospace experience

Fluid systems

Engineering drawings

Problem solving

Team player

Lift 50 lbs

Flexible hours

Safety compliance

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

OSHA HAZWOPER certification

Tools

Propellant transfer systems

Pressurization systems

Safety systems

Instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow sensors)

Job description

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the

About Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

Summary

We are seeking a motivated Spacecraft Test Technician to join our test operations team at our manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, TX. This is a hands-on technical role for someone passionate about building their career in aerospace propulsion testing and working directly with liquid propulsion systems supporting the Blue Ghost lunar lander program. As a Test Technician, you will work alongside experienced engineers and technicians performing critical test operations for the Spectre engine and other liquid propulsion systems. You will be responsible for hands-on hardware preparation, test setup, equipment operation, and system maintenance while developing your expertise with hypergolic propulsion testing. Testing Spectre will have a direct impact on the success of future lunar missions and will ultimately drive changes to the landscape of the space industry. Spectre is an engine that you will have a direct hands-on responsibility to enable our return to the lunar surface and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Support the integration, instrumentation, and execution of hotfire tests for the Spectre propulsion engine and related liquid propulsion systems
• Execute hands-on setup, checkout, and operation of ground support equipment including propellant transfer systems, pressurization systems, and safety systems
• Assist engineers during propellant loading, engine conditioning, ignition sequences, and safing operations in accordance with approved procedures
• Follow, review, and provide feedback on work instructions for complex mechanical systems and installations
• Clean and passivate hardware using means such as solvent/chemical, mechanical, ultrasonic, and precision cleaning methods
• Perform manual deburring, edge breaking, and polishing on machined aerospace fittings and components
• Perform shop level maintenance and calibration of equipment such as pumps, tanks, filtration systems, scales, etc.
• Follow all safety protocols, hazard controls, and regulatory requirements for hypergolic propellant operations
• Maintain accurate equipment logs and maintenance records
• Support and participate in operational readiness activities and safety reviews
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts for test procedures, facility capabilities, and operational efficiency

Qualifications

Required

• 7 years of experience (or equivalent) in aerospace, aircraft, R&D, or related industrial fields
• Working knowledge of fluid systems, including pressurized testing and leak check procedures
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical manuals
• A demonstrated high level of problem-solving skills working in a team environment
• Lift and carry 50 lbs. for limited durations
• A willingness to work flexible hours to meet the demands of spacecraft engine testing
• Familiarity with pressurized system safety
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment

Desired

• Associate degree or technical certification in a relevant field (Aerospace Technology, Mechanical Technology, Manufacturing, etc.)
• Experience with engine-related hardware in an aerospace environment
• OSHA HAZWOPER certification or experience working with hazardous materials
• Working knowledge of a variety of tube/fluid applications including GN2, GHe, Hydraulics
• Familiarity with hypergolic engine test and decontamination procedures
• Experience cleaning systems to aerospace standards
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation (pressure, temperature, flow sensors)
• Experience with precision measurement tools and equipment calibration

Benefits

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.